Does the MAXIAMP® Cable Bus system meet the upcoming C22.2 No 273 standard?

Yes, the MAXIAMP® Cable Bus system will meet the upcoming C22.2 No. 273 standard. In fact, United Wire & Cable initiated the cable bus CSA Standard C22.2 No. 273 and is directly involved in its development as a major committee member. Also, United Wire & Cable engineers are on the technical committee and sub-committee for the development of the industrial and utility power cable CSA Standards C68.10 and C68.5 used in our MAXIAMP® Cable Bus. They continue working in these committees for technical updates.

Is the MAXIAMP® Cable Bus enclosure grounded?

The MAXIAMP® Cable Bus enclosure is electrically bonded and grounded. A supplied copper bonding conductor serves to connect the equipment at both ends as well as ensures continuity between the tray enclosure section connections. The power cables are also ideally in close proximity to the grounded enclosure by being in contact with the enclosure metal rungs. This is necessary to avoid high impedance fire oriented cable insulation faults, such as experienced with insulated cables on insulators that are isolated from electrical ground planes.

What material is the cable supported/restrained by within the MAXIAMP® Cable Bus? How does the MAXIAMP® design prevent cable abrasions over time?

Within the MAXIAMP® Cable Bus system, cables are supported by smooth aluminum rungs spaced every foot throughout the circuit length and smooth aluminum cable clamps are used to effectively position and secure the cable to the aluminum rungs (see our MAXIAMP® product page). The power cable materials are designed and tested in accordance with CSA Standards for movement due to expansion and contraction. On smooth surfaces, such as our smooth tray rungs and clamps in our MAXIAMP® system, the power cables are subjected to less abrasive movements when compared to direct burial, turbulent under water crossings, ducts in duct banks, conduit with burrs, etc. As a result, any movement of cable on smooth tray rungs and clamps is not an issue. For this and other reasons, the MAXIAMP® Cable Bus system is considered to be an ideal power cable installation method.

Are the top and bottom of the MAXIAMP® Cable Bus covers easy to remove?

The top enclosure covers are fastened down with self tapping metal screws and can be easily removed for cable inspection or service. The cable clamps within the different levels are offset so that it not only allows for complete visual inspection of all cables from the top, but also allows easy replacement or addition of cables without the need to disassemble or disturb other cables. Loosen the clamps at the applicable level (which are readily accessible from the top) and away you go! Due to the fact that the components are easily accessible from the top, the bottom vent cover is welded to the enclosure bottom I-beams for easier installation.